Board Governance Program

* This program is certified by the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan

Are you are a school trustee, a member of a town or RM Council, a regional planning committee or a senior administrator that works with a board? Are you concerned about your role on the board and question if you are making a difference? If so, our program can give you the knowledge and understanding to govern your organization with confidence. Our program is delivered in a manner that engages participates in small and large group work with opportunities to ask questions and explore how the topics connect to their experiences with governance.

Program Overview

Day 1

Session 1 Governance – What is it and why does it matter?

This session will discuss the purpose of a board and definitions of public sector and non-profit entities. Participants will then explore what is unique about a public sector or non-profit as compared to a for-profit entity and how this may impact the work and decisions of a board.

Sessions 2 and 3 focus on the roles and responsibilities of the board. This is critical; board members need to understand their obligations and boundaries when serving on a board. During these sessions, facilitators will discuss how board members work within legislation to manage strategy and stewardship. We will also talk about using bylaws, policies and committees to accomplish board tasks.

How do you know if your strategy is working? Performance measures can provide boards with the evidence needed to adjust strategy with confidence. Further, depending on the mission of the organization, your board may also oversee compliance issues. Participants will work through the implications of compliance and measurement and discuss best practices on reporting.

Day 2

Session 4 Role of Chair, CEO and Management

During this session, we will explore the relationship between the Board Chair and the CEO, as well as management. How do we ensure a healthy relationship?

Session 5 “Above Board” Behaviour

During this session, we will discuss the Duty of Care, the Fiduciary Duty of board members and the expectations for individual member’s personal behaviour.

Session 6 Financials Stewardship

Ensuring sound financial management and effective use of resources is a key part of a board’s role in providing leadership and stewardship. The Board is ultimately responsible and must take this responsibility seriously.

Equally important is determining what financial data to monitor and understand how to question the data to the board’s satisfaction.

Day 3

Session 7 Risk Management / Mitigation﻿

﻿This session will engage participants in the following risk management approach:

Risk Framework

Risk identification

Analyze/Assessment

Prioritize

Implement a strategy

Monitor

﻿Session 8 Board Culture

Building and maintaining a positive culture among the board and throughout the organization that supports open, honest and respectful discussions and sound decision-making, should be the goal of board members as well as those that support the board. During this session, we will also work to understand unconscious biases as well as strategies to mitigate their impacts on decisions. We end the session with strategies for productive meetings at the board and committee level.

Session 9 Putting it all Together

We will end the program with a review of the best practices and elements of strong and successful boards.

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“Even after four decades of experience with elected boards, appointed boards and volunteer boards, there were still many opportunities for engagement and sharing that provided for a great learning experience. The three days are exceptionally well prepared with the methodology geared to adult learners. The content is well organized and extremely relevant for board member development. I would recommend this course regardless of ones level of experience or knowledge. “